A decade on from his departure from professional basketball, Allen Iverson’s status as a sneaker icon shows no signs of faltering.
In December, Reebok introduced a red-and-black rendition of the athlete’s Question Mid sneaker as one of the debut styles for its ATV- and dirt bike-inspired I3 Motorsports campaign. Also last year, the brand released two new Question Mid colorways as part of a collection paying homage to NBA teams’ alternate uniforms. Just last month, Reebok debuted yet another Question Mid design, this one in honor of his MVP performance at the NBA’s 2001 All-Star Game.
And now, Reebok has confirmed plans to bring back a 20th anniversary edition of Iverson’s Answer IV OG. The zippered shoe will return April 15 alongside a limited run of 199 serial-numbered commemorative “Answer-Versary” trading cards designed by sports illustrator Peter Richter.
The fourth installment of Iverson’s signature Reebok “Answer” series, the IV brought forward a number of key design elements, such as its DMX cushioning, while also introducing new features, such as a wave-like upper, “I3” racing-inspired sidewalls and high-contrast color blocking. Perhaps most notably, the Answer IV also introduced a zipper shroud to cover the sneaker’s lacing system. Reebok footwear designer Xavier Jones called the shoe “without a doubt one of the most iconic sneakers to ever grace the hardwood.”
“Answer IV is the crown jewel of Iverson’s journey and the cultural shift he helped to lead,” Jones said in a statement. “By his ’00-’01 season, ‘Chuck’ was already so beloved for his style and how he approached the game, but that year truly cemented A.I. as a cultural icon.”
The Answer IV’s 20th anniversary reissue brings back original design elements like the fading gradient “I3” logo, 3M reflective details and an outsole featuring DMX foam, a TPU bridge plate and tactical tread patterns. The outsole is complemented by OG graphic executions like a graphic of Iverson’s head sunken into the underfoot, an engraved “Only The Strong Survive” tagline and “I3” and Vector logos at the bridge and forefoot.
Reebok’s Answer IV OG is slated to return April 15 via Reebok’s website, Finish Line, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, JD Sports and other select retailers.